Hall of Famer Andre Reed meets Massillon kids

The former Buffalo Bills' receiver met with 157 kids, staff and volunteers Wednesday at the Boys and Girls Club of Massillon where a new "Reeding Room" was unveiled.

Steven M. Grazier IndeOnline.com staff writer @sgrazierINDE

MASSILLON Pro Football Hall of Fame receiver Andre Reed was on the giving end of things Wednesday afternoon, sharing time to meet with school-age children, staff members and volunteers at the Boys and Girls Club of Massillon.

Reed, 53, a former Buffalo Bills wideout who was inducted to the Hall in 2014, spoke to 157 kids ranging in age from 6 to 13 for about an hour, reinforcing values of working hard, respecting elders and showing up to school. When he was 8 years old, Reed said he started attending the Boys and Girls Club in his hometown of Allentown, Pa.

"The club laid the foundation of who I am today," said Reed, noting the organization's skilled teachers, coaches and mentors. "It means everything to me."

The Massillon Boys and Girls Club also unveiled its new "Reeding Room" Wednesday, which aims to encourage kids to read more often. The room was dedicated in honor of Reed, who is a frequent visitor and speaker at clubs around the country, according to Jake Ray, youth and education program coordinator for the Hall of Fame.

"Inspiring kids is my message, now," Reed added.

Centene Corporation, a health care services company based in Clayton, Mo., funded renovations to the club's second-floor "Reeding Room," Ray said. The Andre Reed Foundation was also a partner.

On a wall of the room, a life-sized poster hangs of Reed that portrays him during his playing days with the Bills. Walls are painted red, blue and white, which are the colors of the football team.

Reed, who played college football at Kutztown (Pennsylvania) University, was introduced to kids at the club by Shawn Crable, a former Massillon Tigers standout and four-year letterman at the University of Michigan. Crable was selected in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots and played parts of three seasons in the National Football League.

During his address to kids in the club's gymnasium, Reed encouraged the youths to try to put their cellphones down on occasion, pay attention to their surroundings and make time to read a book.

"You need to develop the skills of communicating and talking to get a job," he said.

Toward the end of his address, Reed answered a few questions posed by children. One boy asked what sport Reed would have played, if not football.

Reed smiled and paused a few seconds before answering.

"I'd probably say golf, because I wouldn't get hit," he said.

Reach Steven at 330-775-1134 or at steven.grazier@indeonline.com.On Twitter: @sgrazierINDE

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